Winter in Czech lands

Conner returned to Iowa on the 29^th. We were sad to see him go. It was so nice to have him around. Part of New Years Eve was spent with our downstairs neighbors David and Monica. At about 10 pm we went back to our apt. and for the next three hours we were entertained or irritated with the continuous sights and sounds of exploding fireworks. It was the longest and loudest we had ever experienced. It is a real custom in Europe to set off fireworks for New Years and they are legal everywhere. January came and brought the coldest and snowiest winter on record. We could have stayed in Iowa! We just finished the one week winter intensive English language school that is sponsored by Pam's department at the Science Faculty. Pam did her usual teaching and introduced the Czechs to Bingo,..complete with white elephant prizes. Ken gave a tour in English of the Archbishops museum. On Thursday evening, we had the final party. Ken joined the vice dean’s band with his banjo to play a dose of old American folk tunes sung in Czech and a few Czech workers songs and folk songs. Thanks to all of you who called or wrote over the holidays. It keeps us grounded. We love you all and the journey continues. I am attaching a few pictures of the snow, just so you know that we are suffering snow withdrawal after leaving Iowa! It got down to 0 today,..almost a record for here.